By Kyambogo University Guild President Benjamin Akiso has issued a stern warning to the university administration, threatening to mobilize a complete suspension of academic activities if the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka, does not immediately reverse the suspension of 17 students. The students were penalized for participating in a recent protest against the university’s tuition payment policy. Akiso criticized the suspensions as unfair, asserting that the strike was a legitimate stand for students’ rights and a rejection of administrative overreach.
The tensions began on April 15 when the guild president’s office issued a formal petition to the university administration demanding a waiver of the UGX 50,000 surcharge fee and requesting that students who had paid at least 70% of their tuition be allowed to sit for their exams. The letter also called on the university to release results from the previous semester, which had not been made available to many students ahead of upcoming examinations.
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After the administration failed to respond within the seven-day ultimatum, the student leadership called a general assembly on April 22 through the Guild Speaker’s office. The assembly took place on April 23 at the Student Centre but was disrupted by security forces, who reportedly stormed the venue, closed campus gates, and used tear gas to disperse students, causing widespread panic.
“That day, police operatives stormed the campus, disrupted lectures, and used force against peaceful students. I narrowly escaped what I believe was an assassination attempt by the university’s chief security,” Akiso said.
Over 20 students were arrested, including Akiso, who, along with nine others, was taken to Jinja Road Police Station and later remanded to Luzira Prison by Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court. They were released on April 29 after being granted cash bail of UGX 100,000 each, with a non-cash surety bond of UGX 2 million.
Following their release, 17 students received suspension letters from the university administration for alleged involvement in an illegal demonstration.
“Despite the intimidation, I remain firm. Our demands are clear: allow students with 70% tuition payment to sit for exams, waive the UGX 50,000 surcharge, release last semester’s results, and reinstate all suspended students,” Akiso declared.
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He denounced the administration’s actions as a breach of students’ constitutional rights and revealed that the student leadership is preparing to petition the courts of law, Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and the National Council for Higher Education.
“This is no longer about individuals. It is about the future of student leadership, the right to education, and the protection of freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution,” he stated.
Efforts to reach university officials for comment were still ongoing by press time.
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